OMEGA was organized to promote and improve the business interests of those engaged in the petroleum marketing, retail grocery and convenience store industries within the State of West Virginia.
This includes:
- Promoting cooperation between the industries through the pursuit of their common interests and goals;
- Increasing awareness of federal, state and local laws and regulations governing the industries;
- Lobbying for the passage of laws and regulations favorable to the industries;
- Sponsoring and promoting conventions and trade shows featuring the industries, and providing education and resources to the members;
- Creating and maintaining higher standards for, and policing trade abuses within the industries; and
- Increasing public awareness of industry issues and improving relations between the public and the industries.
Impact
Most OMEGA members are home grown West Virginia businesses. They employ over 2.5 percent of the State's population - more than 50,000 residents.
Employees of member companies blend the fuels, deliver the gasoline, stock the shelves and work the counters - all of which brings comfort and convenience to your life.
OMEGA members collect a substantial amount of State revenue and taxes. In fact, more than 10 percent of all State taxes are generated through sales at OMEGA member businesses. In addition, OMEGA convenience and grocery stores collected $201 million for the West Virginia Lottery through Instant and Online Lottery sales in 2012.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
OMEGA members are not large out-of-state operations. We're hometown employers and entrepreneurs contributing to our communities. OMEGA members annually provide several college-bound West Virginians with financial scholarships. Members also give their money, time and energy to numerous community-service and non-profit organizations throughout the State. In fact, OMEGA members have contributed more than $2.1 million since 2003 to charities who help West Virginia's children, including Children's Miracle Network, YMCA After School Program, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Children's Home Society of West Virginia.
Community resident, local employer, major taxpayer and civic volunteer OMEGA members play a vital role in our state. OMEGA members - over 225 strong - are working to provide life's essentials to West Virginia: fuel, food and convenience.
Taxes paid by OMEGA Members
| Tax Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Motor Fuel Excise Tax, Motor Carrier Tax & IFTA Collections | $432,441,501 |
| Cigarette and Other Tobacco Taxes | $155,459,301 |
| Soft Drink Taxes | $13,765,539 |
| Beer Barrel Tax | $7,261,851 |
| Total OMEGA Generated Taxes | $608,928,192 |
